Pleurx Peritoneal Catheter: Physician Information

Traditionally, physicians have relied on repeat Large Volume Paracentesis (LVP) for the management of malignant ascites. Unfortunately, while effective at relieving symptoms, LVP requires frequ;ent patient visits and significant discomfort.

"[The Pleurx Catheter] enables patients to eliminate repeated visits to the hospital and the pain and anxiety of repeated abdominal taps." ¹

The Pleurx peritoneal Catheter and 1000 ml vacuum bottles provide the symptomatic benefits associated with LVP without the discomfort and hassle of repeated facility visits.

The Pleurx system employs unique disposable vacuum bottles to actively draw ascitic fluid through an indwelling Pleurx Peritoneal Catheter. Pleurx vacuum bottles enable rapid drainage through a closed system helping ensure patient comfort, safety and compliance. Now patients can manage their symptoms through smaller and more frequent drainages at home, with minimal physician intervention.

Pleurx Catheter Placement

The Pleurx Peritoneal Catheter is provided in a kit with all necessary items for the procedure and initial drainage. Placement is simple and typically perfromed on an outpatient basis. The soft 15.5 Fr silicone catheter minimizes patient discomfort while still providing rapid fluid removal.

To learn more about the recommended placement procedure please review the Pleurx Peritoneal Placement Instructions and the Pleurx Peritoneal Placement Video.

Pleurx Home Drainage

The Pleurx Drainage kits enable a safe, rapid and convenient option for the home management of malignant ascites. Patients order and receive drainage supplies directly from Denver Biomedical or one of our distributors, depending on insurance coverage. The Pleurx Drainage Kit contains all items necessary to perform a clean procedure in the home setting. The straightforward and quick drainage process is typically done by the patient or a caregiver.

To learn more about the recommended drainage procedure please review the Pleurx Drainage Instructions (1000 ml) and Pleurx Drainage Video (1000 ml).

How to get Started...... follow these steps for a successful Pleurx process

1. Iyengar T. Herzog T. Management of symptomatic ascites in recurrent ovarian cancer patients using an intr-abdominal semi-permanent catheter. Am J of Hospice & Palliative Care 2002; 1:35-38